Brewer Q&A: Meet Miami Gras

Now available for a limited time in kegs and cans around South Florida, Miami Gras! We sat down with our head brewer, Marco Reyna, to give us the back story on this great new beer.

So, Marco, what is Miami Gras?

Marco: The beer is a French style saison brewed with juniper berries and orange blossom honey. It’s also a cool block party we’re throwing on March 4th! Think live music, awesome food, costumes — all in the theme of a New Orleans Mardi Gras/Carnaval festival.

More on the event in a minute. Let’s focus on the beer. Why a Saison?

Marco: We chose a French style saison to highlight the French culture of New Orleans, which as you may know is the home of Mardi Gras. If we’re throwing a Mardi Gras-themed party in Miami, it only made sense to get inspiration from its roots.

What made you choose the honey and the juniper for this particular style?

Marco: The juniper berries and orange blossom honey is our nod to the popular cocktails served during Mardi Gras.

What Mardi Gras cocktail was your inspiration for the beer?

Marco: New Orleans is definitely a drinking city, so there was a lot to choose from. But the first one that came to mind was the Gin Fizz. I once had one with orange blossom water as an ingredient, which was a nice complement to the juniper in the gin. The flavor combination stuck with me.

What do you love most about New Orleans?

Marco: The food, the drinks, the breweries and the Creole culture.

Let’s go back to the event. Miami Gras sounds like it’s going to be an epic party. We heard you like to party as well.

Marco: That I do. I’ll be there.

Will you be giving tours during the event?

Marco: Of course. Myself and the other brewers will be giving tours throughout the day. We’re excited to give people a behind-the-scenes look at what we do.